Bluebirds set for unchanged line up. Southend Preview

Last updated : 24 September 2006 By Michael Morris

With all the players fit this would appear to be the strongest first XI.

City are likely to be

Alexander, Gilbert, Purse, Loovens, McNaughton, Parry, Scimeca, McPhail, Ledley, Thompso and Chopra.

Subs from Flood, Campbell, Glombard, Johnson, Cooper, Kamara.

City could go three points clear with a win and unless the Bluebirds lose by a few goals we'll stay top even if we lost. That of course is not in the mindset of the team or the fans.

A win today would almost guarantee a full house for th visit of Wolves next weekend to Ninian Park.

First up though is today's game. City drew 1 - 1 last time at Roots Hall thanks to a Rhys Weston og in injury time. It's a compact ground and the atmosphere will be good with a healthy crowd. The game is also live on Sky.

Speaking ahead of the game Dave Jones told the offical website

"We want to continue the hard work that we've been doing and we want to get the 3 points. But Southend will also want to get the three points. The atmosphere will be good. What we realise is, it will be a tough game for us.

"Southend have done well, they got their promotion and they've done really well at home. We'll prepare in the same way as we've prepared for all our games."

Southend boss Steve Tilson said

“I think Cardiff are a passing side and can mix and match it, a bit like ourselves.

“But with any luck we can match them in every department and keep our unbeaten run at home going,” he told Southend's official website.

“Cardiff have had a fantastic start to the season and it's going to be a tough game, but we are four games unbeaten.

“It would be good if we could get a big crowd to Roots Hall on Sunday because we've had a great atmosphere in all our home and away matches this season.

“I know the game's on Sky TV and people tend to stay at home, but it would be fantastic if we could fill the stadium out.

“Cardiff are at the top for a reason and that's because they're the best side in the league at the moment.”

Southend Utd v Cardiff City.
Sunday24th September, ko 1:15pm.